Transguard develops breakthrough 'SkyBox' for secure aircargo

SkyBox combines technology and clever physical design to secure shipments and prevent air cargo crime - in particular the pilferage of valuable shipments like electronic items, computer peripherals and mobile telephones, which have been the growing targets of thefts due to their relatively high market value and small size.

Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Senior Vice President Emirates Group Security said: "Incidences of global air cargo theft, estimated at US$10 million annually, have increased in tandem with the booming air cargo traffic, and a large proportion of thefts involved electronic cargo. Part of the reason is that conventional packaging for most electronic products - polythene shrink wrapping and carton packaging - do not offer much security against pilferage. Shippers and security providers depend heavily on costly manpower to guard these products in transit."

He added: "The idea to create SkyBox stemmed from our team's day-to-day experience in managing air cargo security. We believe it strengthens the integrity of the entire air cargo security chain, and will help reduce manpower requirements and costs. We are proud to have developed SkyBox in partnership with bwh-Spezialkoffer, whose manufacturing expertise complimented Transguards' own practical experience in security requirements."

Designed to meet the specifications of the Euro cargo pallet, the SkyBox is made of High Density Polyethylene (HDP) and has adjustable dimensions which could measure a minimum of 70cm x 80cm x 130cm, up to a maximum of 130cm x 100cm x 130cm. The box is made of three parts that fit in place like a jigsaw and are held together by an internal flexible steel cable that allows the box to withstand greater damage than conventional packaging.

The SkyBox has an advanced locking system designed to prevent lock-picks and its durable material withstands the harshest handling and environmental conditions while providing secure packing for cargo. Its flexible design also lets the box absorb major impacts. During testing, the SkyBox endured a 12-metre high, 350-kilogramme drop test on concrete without damage.

The box's adjustable shape allows for easy logistics handling, and shippers using the SkyBox instead of normal cardboard crates will also benefit from reduced packing and the reduced need to provide guards while shipments are in transit.

The SkyBox is already being used on some of the routes served by Emirates Airline, and has received strong interest from other air cargo service providers and operators.